The anti-aging effect of a nutritional supplement based on Lycopene and grape extract

The demand for healthcare products is growing worldwide beyond the safety and convenience. This study examined the anti-aging effects of a nutritional supplement (lycopene/grape extract = 1.5:1), which is a healthcare product. The mean lifespan, athletic and reproductive abilities were examined in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Additionally, the levels of lipofuscin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and several critical genes related to lifespan regulation in C. elegans were determined. According to the results, the nutritional supplement effectively extended the mean lifespan and improved the abilities of athletic and reproductive of C. elegans dose-dependently. Meanwhile, the levels of lipofuscin and ROS decreased significantly in the three dosage groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the nutritional supplement upregulated the mRNA expression of SOD3, GST4 (P < 0.01), and HSP16.2 (P < 0.05) genes. Our findings showed the nutritional supplement could prolong the lifespan of C. elegans through reducing the levels of lipofuscin and ROS, and enhance the resistance against oxidative stress.